Semiconductor

Materials that allow some electrons to move freely between atoms and molecules (e.g. silicon).

Spin

A property of particles that relates to how they move in the quantum world. Quarks have a half unit of spin that can be pointed so the quark is either spin up or a spin down.

Strange Quark

One of the six types (flavors) of quarks. This particle has a negative charge and its mass is intermediate. Derek is shown here as a strange quark.

Static Electicity

When objects become electrically charged and the charge can’t move around.

Strong Force

One of the fundamental forces in nature. This force attracts particles that have the property of color. It is the force that binds quarks inside protons and neutrons (and other particles). It is also the force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom. The carrier for the force is the gluon.

Subatomic

Smaller than the atom. This means smaller than a billionth of a meter or 0.000000001 of a meter.

Superconductor

Special electrical conductor materials where there is no resistance to electron movement. For instance, when lead and mercury are very cold, they are superconductors.